What is a program?

A program is a structured set of courses that leads to a credential, such as a certificate, diploma, or degree.

Some programs include a practical component as well as theory courses. The UFV Calendar contains program information such as entrance requirements, course prerequisites, and program requirements.

Certificates, diplomas, degrees

These are credentials you can earn when you complete a program. Diplomas and Associate degrees are generally two years in length and Bachelor’s degrees are usually four years, based on full-time study. Most programs can also be completed on a part-time basis over a longer period of time. Certificate programs vary in length, and are generally completed in one year or less. UFV offers credit certificate programs (about 1,000 hours of training) as well as non-credit certificate programs (about 200–300 hours of training).

Program paths

A program path is an open admission category (e.g. Arts Studies, Nursing Studies, Kinesiology Studies) that allows you to begin taking courses toward your educational goal. Program paths are an option when a specific program is not available, or you do not meet all the entrance requirements. Admission to program paths is intended to be temporary. Students should pursue admission to a specific degree program as soon as possible.

Admission to a program path allows you to:

take courses to satisfy the entrance requirements for a program

try a variety of courses that interest you

take some of the courses applicable to your preferred program

Laddering from one program to another

If you begin in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, you may be able to “ladder” into another program, building on previously earned credentials. For example, credits earned in a diploma or associate degree could be used as credit toward a four-year degree in the same area. Check the current UFV calendar for additional details.

Credit versus non-credit

There are two types of courses offered at UFV: credit courses, and non-credit courses. Credit courses may satisfy certificate, diploma, and degree requirements or may be taken for general interest. They have a credit value and are generally assigned a letter grade. Information about credit courses and programs can be found in the current UFV Calendar.

Non-credit courses are usually offered through Continuing Studies (CS) and can be taken for general interest, upgrading skills, employment, and/or professional development. Non-credit courses and programs are listed in the CS publication, published in August and December, and on the web at ufv.ca/cs

Applying for re-admission

you have not completed credit courses at UFV within the past two calendar years

you do not register for the first semester to which you are admitted

you withdraw completely in your first semester

Some programs require re-admission if attendance is not continuous, e.g., Health Studies programs, Applied and Technical Studies, Aviation, etc. Check individual program listings in the UFV calendar for more information.

An application (apply online) and a re-application fee are required to apply for re-admission.

How to change to a different program

Applications are not transferable from one program to another. If you wish to apply to a different program, submit another application. If you are a new applicant to UFV, and decide to pursue a different program for your initial admission to UFV, you must submit another application‌ and pay a re-application fee.

Placement tests

Students may be required to take tests which will help to determine skill levels and aid in selection of courses appropriate to their educational backgrounds and abilities. Placement tests may also be used to meet some entrance requirements and course prerequisites.

Take placement tests early — allow at least one month to receive your results from UFV.

Dates, times, locations, costs, minimum scores, and detailed handouts on UFV placement tests, are on the Assessment Services website or at the Assessment Services offices located in Building G (Abbotsford campus) and Room D117 (Chilliwack campus). Contact the Abbotsford office at 604-557-4006, or the Chilliwack office at 604-792-0025, local 2460.

Aboriginal student self-identification

At UFV, students of Aboriginal ancestry can choose to self-identify so that they may benefit from supportive programs and services. By doing so, students also enable UFV to identify, review, and analyze data that will contribute to improved programs and services for Aboriginal learners. More info...

Special admission

Any person who does not meet stated admission requirements may petition our Academic Standards committee for special consideration. Download a Request for Special Admission (pdf) form or pick one up at the Office of the Registrar. Requests for Special Admission, with supporting documents, should be forwarded to the Admissions Coordinator. The request must be accompanied by an Application for Admission (pdf) form, the application fee (currently $45), a letter from a UFV advisor or counsellor, a rationale from the applicant, and a copy of a recent high school transcript.

Special admission applicants may also be required to undertake testing, write provincial examinations, attend an interview, and/or write an essay in order to assess academic level. Applicants are advised to apply for special admission by April 30 for fall entry, October 31 for winter, or February 28 for summer semester.

If you are a home school applicant, please contact UFV Admissions at the Office of the Registrar for further information.

Concurrent studies

Full, detailed information about Concurrent Studies is available in the online calendar. View more information on concurrent studies here.

Secondary school students may take courses at UFV while still working toward secondary school graduation, under the following guidelines:

The student is attending a secondary school.

The student is deemed to have strong academic ability or may benefit substantially by taking the university course.

The student's parent or legal guardian provides written support, and the student's counsellor or principal provides a letter of recommendation.

The student submits a Request for Concurrent Studies (pdf) to Admissions at the Office of the Registrar, at least one month before the start of classes (earlier is recommended). A recent high school transcript, including interim grades for the current term, a letter from the student's parent or guardian and the high school principal or counsellor, an Application for Admission (pdf), and the application fee must accompany the application form. The student must indicate the specific course(s) and sections desired. Alternate choices are recommended.

The student may request a maximum of two courses per semester, under normal circumstances. This limit may be increased in special circumstances, with approval of the appropriate dean.

The student is expected to meet course prerequisites, if any.

Requests are subject to the approval of the instructor and the department head, and the availability of a seat at the time the student registers.

Once the application is received and approved, the Office of the Registrar will:

Ensure the request is sent to the course instructor(s) and program/department head.

Advise the applicant of acceptance/non-acceptance and registration procedures.

Concurrent studies students who have applied before registration times have been scheduled will register at the end of the regular registration period (later applicants will be scheduled with late applicants according to the date of application).